2024 wage data not published for special effects artists and animators in Washington
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage estimates when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish a figure without revealing individual firm pay. The privacy redaction happens upstream, before the data reaches us.
BLS still reports an estimated 2,510 workers in this role in Washington in 2024.
Use national figures and adjacent states below as a reference, or check BLS confidentiality rules for context.
Salary distribution
Where Washington special effects artists and animators fall on the wage curve.
Distribution not available
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Washington: actual employer-disclosed pay
Public records from 31 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Median offered wage: $154,000. Every figure below is an actual offered salary an employer attested to under federal law.
By DOL wage level
DOL classifies every offer into one of four wage levels based on the role's experience and skill requirements.
| Level | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|
| Level I — entry | 4 | $69,851 |
| Level II — qualified | 5 | $113,000 |
| Level III — experienced | 8 | $175,700 |
| Level IV — fully competent | 11 | $177,050 |
Top employers filing for this role
Companies with the most certified filings for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Washington. Median offer is across all of that employer's filings.
| Employer | Most-filed title | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Corporation | Product Design | 15 | $184,288 |
| Riot Games, Inc. | Rigging Technical Artist II | 4 | $141,045 |
| Electronic Arts Inc. | Senior Character Artist | 2 | $165,900 |
| Perfect Day Productions Inc. | 3D Artist | 1 | $69,701 |
| Vertisystem, Inc. | Environment Artist | 1 | $75,920 |
| SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC | Concept Artist | 1 | $104,201 |
| The Artery VFX, Inc. | Houdini Artist | 1 | $70,000 |
| Bungie, Inc. | Gameplay Animator | 1 | $108,000 |
| Petty Karma Interactive LLC | Lead Environment Artist | 1 | $69,701 |
| Magic Fuel Games Inc. | Technical Art Director | 1 | $113,000 |
Recent sample filings
A snapshot of recent certified offers. Each line is a real, public, verifiable record.
- Product Design at Microsoft Corporation$184,288RedmondDecided Dec 19, 2025I-200-25346-477776
- Senior Character Artist at Electronic Arts Inc.$154,000KirklandWage Level IIIDecided Aug 26, 2025I-200-25231-252225
- Manager, Animation Art at Riot Games, Inc.$177,050Mercer IslandWage Level IVDecided Aug 20, 2025I-200-25225-239484
- 3D Artist at Perfect Day Productions Inc.$69,701RedmondWage Level IDecided Jun 20, 2025I-200-25163-087529
- Rigging Technical Artist II at Riot Games, Inc.$141,045Mercer IslandWage Level IVDecided Jun 13, 2025I-200-25158-065410
- Environment Artist at Vertisystem, Inc.$75,920BellevueWage Level IDecided Jun 13, 2025I-200-25157-062667
- Product Design at Microsoft Corporation$152,200RedmondWage Level IIDecided May 8, 2025I-200-25121-925318
- Concept Artist at SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC$104,201BellevueWage Level IIDecided May 8, 2025I-200-25121-928755
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification. Disclosed wages reflect what employers attested to pay; actual paid wages may differ. Only certified filings are shown — denied and withdrawn cases are excluded.
Special Effects Artists and Animators pay by experience level in Washington
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Washington over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 5.0 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Communications and Media
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Visualization
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- 02
Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- 03
Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
- 04
Implement and maintain configuration control systems.
- 05
Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
- 06
Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- 07
Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.
- 08
Create and install special effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating needed parts from wood, metal, plaster, and clay.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+1.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Slower than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for special effects artists and animators in major Washington metropolitan areas.
- Seattle$142,690
Compare Special Effects Artists and Animators pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- Is Special Effects Artists and Animators a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 1.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.